V. H. King's Ink

nuancing “things are getting more terrifying every day”

with “things have always been this way”–

and knowing we have survived this,

and lived through worse,

and we will endure more.

understanding that the insulation is wearing thin;

wrestling with the prank and privilege

of ever having a safety net at all;

forgiving my own foolishness;

remembering the life and death

I have always carried with me;

holding “there will be no perfect world”;

abolishing someday, uncertain of afterlife;

not concerning myself with that which is too lofty for me–

but instead doing the work of growing in love,

for myself and others,

here and now.

it’s times like these my spirit was forged in,

the sword of my conviction sharpened for,

the muscle of hope and the memory–

of what is and has been,

of gifts I can give,

of every breath given and taken

with joy.